Sandvik Splashes $35 Mln on Metal 3D Printing

Posted Date 02/13/18

Swedish mining equipment maker Sandvik will invest $25 million on a plant that will produce fine metal powders for use in 3D printing, the company said in a press release. It noted how demand for metal powders is seen to rise over the next few years substantially, especially demand for titanium and nickel-based alloys. This area, Sandvik said, is strategically important for the company, which has motivated the investment.

Titanium and nickel-based alloys are widely used in the top three 3D printing growth industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and carmaking. Titanium is particularly popular in implants. Recently, 3D printed nickel-based components were deployed in fighter jets used by the Finnish Air Force.